分子状水素による男性不妊における酸化還元バランスとホルモンシグナル調節を介したテストステロン産生促進の仮説
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) functions as a selective scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and has also been identified as an intracellular signal modulator. Intra-testicular testosterone, produced by Leydig cells within the seminiferous tubules, is essential for spermatogenesis. While low levels of ROS are necessary for normal sperm function, excessive ROS disrupts the hormonal axis from the hypothalamus to the Leydig cells, reducing testosterone synthesis and impairing spermatogenesis. Superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and peroxynitrite can additionally damage DNA, lipids, and proteins, further compromising sperm integrity. H₂ is proposed to counteract these effects by modulating MAPK-downstream cAMP and calcium signaling pathways, thereby restoring redox balance and supporting testosterone production. This hypothesis suggests that H₂ may offer a mechanistic basis for addressing male infertility associated with oxidative stress.
H₂ is hypothesized to modulate MAPK-downstream cAMP and calcium signaling to antagonize ROS-mediated disruption of the hypothalamus-to-Leydig-cell hormonal axis, thereby restoring redox balance and enhancing testosterone biosynthesis.
The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).
See also:
https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/30396494